60 Things To Do This Summer in Bury St Edmunds

1. Visit Moyse's Hall Museum and discover the story behind one of East Anglia’s most enduring legends in the exhibition Edmund and the Great Heathen Army. The exhibition explores the life and legacy of King Edmund, the Anglo Saxon ruler killed by Viking invaders in AD 869, and traces how his cult grew to shape the identity of Bury St Edmunds for centuries afterwards.

2. Enjoy a summer walk in the flower meadows and woodlands of Nowton Park - take a wander in the winding maze and hopefully find your way out again!

3. Explore culinary delights and spark your senses at one of Bury St Edmunds' gastronomic experiences in Suffolk's Foodie Town.

4. Step inside the wondrous hidden gardens of Bury St Edmunds on 14 June; Bury St Edmunds has many fine and historic buildings, but Hidden Gardens gives people the chance to discover 30 gardens featuring secret patios, lawns, borders, vegetable gardens, greenhouses and other features behind their facades and high walls.

5. Experience St Edmundsbury Cathedral in a completely different light at The Music of Queen by Candlelight on 30 July at 7.30pm. Step inside the cathedral’s dramatic interior and spend the evening celebrating the iconic hits of one of Britain’s best loved rock bands, against the backdrop of an atmospheric candlelit setting. Expect a soundtrack of anthems and power ballads inside one of Bury St Edmunds’ most striking historic buildings.

6. Grab a burger and test your knowledge at Queen's Bar and Grill quiz night. On the first Wednesday of the month, gather a team of up to six people and for just £2 per person you can be in with a chance of victory…and prizes including a giant cookie and a gift voucher.

7. Uncover Suffolk's smallest town on the self-guided Clare Town Trail. A new self-guided outdoor trail with 28 places of interest on the trail which introduces visitors to important architecture and heritage of the historic market town.

8. Take in a show at The Apex! There’s loads to pick from this summer, including an intimate acoustic night with Wet, Wet, Wet, or the groovy tunes of The Magic of Motown. Why not grab your cowboy boots and head down to A Country Night in Nashville or giggle along with comedy from the Fat Cat Comedy Club, Jason Manford, Scott Bennett, and political impressionist and pianist Alistair McGowan.

9. Take in a show at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, where the summer programme ranges from brand new musicals to comedy, illusion and gripping original drama. Caroline tells the remarkable true story of pirate radio station Radio Caroline, which broadcast pop, soul and rock ’n’ roll from a ship anchored off the Essex coast during the 1960s. Brand new drama Boiler Room Six explores the devastating Titanic disaster from the perspective of the working men below deck during the ship’s final hours, while Jay and Joss: It’s Not a Game brings daring stunts, large scale illusions and mind bending magic to the stage. Audiences can also enjoy the fast paced comedy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), which squeezes all of Shakespeare’s plays into one chaotic performance.

10. Meet mythical beasts at  Dragon Fest at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. A thrilling day out where epic medieval combat, hands-on crafts, and living history bring the Anglo-Saxon world roaring back to life for the whole family!

11. Celebrate Suffolk Day through music, song and spoken word at St Edmundsbury Cathedral's Suffolk Celebration concert on the 21st June. Curated by theatre director Nick Hutchison, the one night event brings together a wide range of performers and contributors from across the county in aid of the Suffolk Community Foundation, with funds supporting local voluntary projects for young people. Set within the cathedral’s dramatic surroundings, the evening promises a thoughtful and uplifting showcase inspired by Suffolk, its people and its creative spirit

12. Experience the Cathedral from on high! A Tower tour includes facts and figures about the Millennium Project, which saw the building of the Tower and vault (completed in 2010). As a reward for climbing the 202 steps, you get to peep ‘behind the scenes’ and can enjoy views across the Bury St Edmunds skyline. This is a great value tour, lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes. Tours run on Wednesdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 10.30am.

13. Creative thinking, problem solving and battling against the clock, are you ready to take on the escape room challenge at The Evidence Room? With three escape rooms on offer, each designed to test your logic, teamwork and patience, you’ll need to have your wits about you as nothing is quite as it seems.

14. Head to Melford Hall and experience the historic National Trust estate in a different way this summer. Join a Walk for Wellness through the peaceful parkland and gardens; a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature, or perhaps take part in the atmospheric Art by Torchlight talk, exploring artworks and stories from the house after hours and by flickering torchlight.

15. Pack your picnics, grab your sun cream, and settle in for an open air performance at Abbey Gardens, Brandon Country Park and West Stow Country Park this summer. Surrounded by historic ruins, woodland and open parkland, audiences can enjoy outdoor productions including Big Bad Wolf, Peter Rabbit, Romeo and Juliet, The Ghost of Achilles and The Jungle Book. From family friendly storytelling to classic drama, these alfresco performances take place in some of West Suffolk’s most atmospheric outdoor settings.

16. Alfresco Dining - eating outside in summer is the best! There are so many beautiful outside spaces to dine in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area; Damson and Wilde have a gloriously sunny courtyard, Folk Cafe offers a rustic and relaxed outdoor area and Pilgrim’s Kitchen has a walled garden offering shelter and sunshine in the summer months.

17. Step back in time and uncover the powerful stories of the soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment through medals, uniforms, photographs, weapons, equipment and personal memorabilia at the Suffolk Regiment Museum.

18. Step back into the 19th century at Kentwell Hall during the Victorian Garden Party on 16 August. Set in the grounds of the striking Tudor manor house, this unique event recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Victorian summer gathering, with costumed performers, lawn games, music, dancing and afternoon tea all helping to bring the era to life. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Victorian inspired clothing and explore the gardens and parkland while taking in the whimsy and grandeur of the period.

19. Motoring enthusiasts are invited to gather together and admire a collection of vintage vehicles at The National Horseracing Museum for its Classic Cars event. Taking place around the historic palace and racing stables in the heart of Newmarket, the event brings together classic and vintage cars for a day celebrating automotive design and engineering. Visitors can explore the museum’s horseracing collections alongside the display of vehicles, making it an exciting event for both racing and motoring fans.

20. Be sure to pop along to the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival where you can see exciting demos from renowned chefs, browse the farmers’ market and sample delicious food at a variety of stalls.

21. Don’t miss a tour of Greene King Brewery. Enter the 1930’s tower brewery and hear all about the brewing process and the history of Greene King.Then head to the café to taste some of the wares!

22. Film buffs - make your way to Abbeygate Cinema or Cineworld in the town and grab a popcorn. Abbeygate Cinema is a charming independent establishment which dates back to the 1920s and shows the latest blockbusters alongside arthouse films and special showings, while Cineworld has the latest releases.

23. Enjoy a day or two just shopping in Bury St Edmunds. It's the perfect place for retail therapy! While away the time exploring the 200 stores that line the picturesque medieval streets, and elegant Georgian squares. From clothes to kitchenware, shopping in Bury St Edmunds offers something for everyone - all within an easy walking distance in beautiful surroundings. As well as favourite High Street brands, Bury St Edmunds has a host of independent and individual shops that you won't find anywhere else.

24. West Stow Country Park's Beowulf and Grendel Trail is an intriguing walk to keep youngsters occupied while learning history and legends. The trail is self-guided and free!

25. Take a tour of the ancient library at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, with over 550 rare books printed in the 16th and 17th century, a friendly guide will tell you all about the history of this incredible collection.

26. Visit the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket and take a journey through the rich tapestry of British horseracing. Situated on a historic 5-acre estate, the museum encompasses three main attractions: the National Horseracing Museum housed in the Trainer’s House and King’s Yard Galleries, the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House, and the Rothschild Yard, home to the Retraining of Racehorses charity . Visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing the sport's history, admire an impressive collection of sporting art, and meet retired racehorses undergoing retraining.

27. Take a wander around beautiful Lavenham. With its Tudor houses, crooked, half-timbered cottages and 15th Century Wool church, it’s easy to understand why the streets of Lavenham have been used as background for TV and films including Lovejoy and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

28. Enjoy a guided tour around Gifford's Hall Vineyard where their knowledgeable guides will talk you through the grapes they grow and the pruning and trellising techniques they use.

29. Take a walking tour of Bury St Edmunds with the Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides or book onto one of the new Food & Drink Tours!

30. Let your curiosity guide you as you discover the stunning Fullers Mill Garden at West Stow - this enchanting and tranquil waterside and woodland garden is a magical place for lovers of all things horticultural.

31. Enjoy a morning wandering round over 70 stalls jam-packed with wares from local makers and producers. From jewellery, candles and wood turning to baked goods, bath products, upcycled fashion, ceramics and more, you’ll find plenty to fill your basket at Bury St Edmunds Makers Market on the first Sunday of every month.

32. See all the almost-greats at the Nearly Festival in Abbey Gardens this June. The region’s leading touring tribute band festival returns with performances celebrating some of the world’s biggest music acts, including Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Madness, Queen and UB40. Taking place against the backdrop of the historic abbey ruins in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the festival promises a lively weekend of singalong anthems and outdoor entertainment.

33. Described as “one of Britain’s finest ancient woodlands”, Bradfield Woods Nature Reserve is home to 24 resident species of butterfly as well as birds and mammals too; the garden warbler and blackcap, stoats, yellow-necked mouse and badgers - the perfect place for a butterfly hunt and bird watching.

34. Visit Bury St Edmunds Farmers Market on the second Sunday of every month. Pick up some gorgeous local produce and take a wander around in the sunshine to gain inspiration for your supper.

35. Life is better on wheels at CurveMotion, why not put your skates on and take to the rink with friends and family for a bit of high speed fun! On selected Fridays enjoy ‘Late Skate and Play’ from 4 until 8pm.

36. Discover the Bury St Edmunds Ale Trail featuring 23 pubs and bars including Britain's smallest pub, The Nutshell.

37. Voted one of the best landmark sites in Britain by BBC Countryfile Magazine, you can pay a visit to Suffolk's oldest working water mill- Pakenham Water Mill.

38. Pick up a racket and play tennis at the Abbey Gardens Tennis Courts.

39. Visit the only surviving WW2 Operations Room of the Royal Observer Corps at Bury St Edmunds Guildhall– an unsung group of local heroes who were the ‘eyes and ears of the RAF’ during the Battle of Britain. Their story has been hidden behind a veil of secrecy for over 80 years, but now it’s all been declassified for you to explore.

40. Budding historians should head to one of the oldest buildings in Lavenham, Little Hall. This 14th century house has been witness to many changing fortunes within Lavenham. Originally built for a family of clothiers, it then was extended in Tudor times and has more recently been restored by the Gayer-Anderson brothers. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the beautiful gardens which combine a knot-garden with a traditional walled English garden.

41. Visit the special Kentwell Hall - a stunning Tudor house that stands within the most extensive moat in the county and nearly 30 acres of formal gardens and grounds. The building itself has a fascinating history and has been transformed and restored since its purchase in 1970. The house offers the visitor a journey through time from the Great Tudor Kitchen to the Gothic centre block to the State bedroom that was created by Thomas Hopper in the 1820s.

42. Tolkienists and Ringers unite and take a tour of Middle Earth in West Stow.

43. See how many birds you can spot in the aviary at the Abbey Gardens, the 9th most visited free attraction in England!

44. Explore the historic Long Melford with its small boutiques, historic pubs, antiques shops and charming tea rooms.

45. Back for its 33rd year, the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival will take place in the beautiful cathedral. Boasting over 250 real ales and 40 ciders, food stalls and a sound stage; it’s time to eat, drink and be merry!

46. Swing into action at Go Ape Thetford Forest - the UK's original and best forest adventure! Challenge yourself on a range of high ropes activities, from the family-friendly Treetop Adventure (perfect for younger explorers) to the epic Treetop Challenge and Challenge Plus experiences for the bravest of adventurers.

47. Grab a putter and challenge your friends and family to a round at Suffolk Adventure Golf - look out for the octopus and bonus hole!

48. Take part in a Dragon and Damselfly walk at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village. Join us at West Stow to explore the world of these fascinating creatures as they start to emerge across the Country Park! Take a guided walk along the River Lark with Adrian Parr, the County Dragonfly Recorder and find out what these amazing insects like to eat, where they live and much, much more.

49. See behind the scenes at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on a Theatre Tour- a vibrant 200-year-old theatre and the last remaining working Regency playhouse in the country. Step on up and into the spotlight where the likes of Ian McKellan CBE, Dame Judi Dench DBE, Sir Peter Hall CBE and many more have gone before you. You’ll even get to tread the boards yourself!

50. Meet magicians, fairies, wizards, mermaids, and more at Kentwell Hall's Magic Weekend on 26 & 27 July. From sorcery to trickery, alchemy and fairies, the house and gardens will be open…with magic and mischief around every corner!

51. Enjoy a Saturday night at the movies at National Trust Ickworth, where open air cinema screenings bring a special kind of evening entertainment to the National Trust estate. With films shown against the striking backdrop of the famous Rotunda and surrounded by Italian inspired gardens and parkland, the setting makes for a memorable alfresco cinema experience. Bring a blanket or deckchair, settle in beneath the evening sky and enjoy a film in one of West Suffolk’s grandest outdoor locations.

52. Spend the day at Phoenix Bike Park: a brilliant and thrilling destination for riders of all levels, offering a pumping network of trails, jumps, and berms that will have both beginners and seasoned cyclists coming back time and again.

53. The ideal place for a family day out, head to National Trust Ickworth and make the most of the new cycle hire facilities; Bikes range from balance bikes for the little ones up to adult bikes, plus there are trailers available as well as helmets if you don’t have your own.

54. Step back in time at Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum during Echoes of the Past Tea Dance and Music on the 27th June. Held at the restored wartime control tower, the event combines live music, dancing and vintage atmosphere in a setting closely connected to Suffolk’s Second World War history. Visitors can enjoy tea and refreshments while soaking up the nostalgic spirit of the evening surrounded by memorabilia and stories from the former American airbase. Whilst there, pay a visit to the museum; an award-winning Museum dedicated to preserving the memory of all who served with the 8th USAAF at RAF Bury St Edmunds during WW2, housed in the original control tower and other period buildings.

55. Enjoy a breathtaking night of Shakespeare beneath the summer sky at Ickworth Estate with an open air performance of Twelfth Night. Taking place in the grounds of the stunning National Trust estate, the production presents the humour and romance of mistaken identities, love and comedy against the backdrop of the stately Rotunda and surrounding parkland. Audiences are invited to bring picnic blankets or chairs and settle in for an evening of outdoor theatre in one of West Suffolk’s most striking historic settings.

56. Celebrate folklore, nature and the changing of the seasons at the East Anglian Storytelling Festival from 19th to 21st June. Bringing together seasoned storytellers from across the region, the festival shares wild tales inspired by the natural world and the landscapes of Suffolk’s nature reserves, with headliners Nell Phoenix and Michael Harvey exploring the theme of the summer solstice. Visitors can also book a special Storytelling Supper on the Friday evening, combining a three course meal with stories rooted in Welsh heritage and tradition, creating a memorable night of food, folklore and performance.

57. Hop in the car and visit The Food Museum; located in Stowmarket, the museum is set across 75 acres of glorious Suffolk countryside, with 17 fascinating historic buildings to explore and a collection of over 40,000 objects. You can see working demonstrations of milling inside mid-18th century Alton Water, visit the demonstration kitchen and sample the day’s offerings, or join a tour of the Dairy Cottages.

58. Enjoy outdoor adventures, off-road driving, quad biking, archery and more at Explore 4x4!

59. Music-lovers can look forward to a great day out this summer on 27 June, as the Bury St Edmunds Folk Festival once again brings its own brand of magic to Nowton Park. A family friendly day of music with the best of the region’s live acts plus sessions, singarounds, open stage and kids activities. Great food, real ale bar, craft stalls and the beautiful setting of the Walled Garden in Nowton Park.

60. Browse handmade gifts, crafts and artisan creations at the Clare Priory Craft Fayre on the 11th and 12th July at Clare Priory. Held within the grounds of the historic Augustinian priory, the annual event brings together a wide range of craft stalls, makers and demonstrations in the picturesque surroundings of one of Suffolk’s oldest religious sites. Visitors can explore the priory and gardens while enjoying a relaxed summer weekend of shopping, food and entertainment.

For even more things to do this summer, check out our What's On Guide!